According to the report published by Grand View Research, The global empty capsules market was valued at USD 1.34 billion in 2015 and Key factors responsible for the growth are the increase in the geriatric population, proliferation of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.

The global empty capsules market is expected to reach USD 2.57 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Key factors responsible for the growth are the increase in the geriatric population, proliferation of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries, globally and the upsurge in the consumer preferences for capsules over tablets.

The rising geriatric population count and the associated chronic conditions are expected to heighten the demand for the production of capsule-centric medications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical application areas. Moreover, the benefits associated with capsule consumption, such as ease of swallowing, faster absorption rates, and increased palatability are also expected to contribute significantly to the expansion of the market over the forecast period.

The mushrooming of the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries is expected to serve as a high impact rendering driver for the empty capsules market over the forecast period.

The nutraceuticals aid in the prevention of certain chronic conditions and hence the consumption of these products has significantly increased over the past few years. For instance, nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help in the prevention of cardiovascular conditions and the heightened accessibility to these low-cost vitamin supplements has reduced the incidences of vitamin deficiencies.

In 2015, the gelatin capsules segment accounted for the highest revenue of nearly USD 1,172.3 million. This high revenue share is attributed to the following factors: sufficient availability of gelatin for the production process and the cost-effectiveness of gelatin capsules as compared to non-gelatin capsules, such as Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules and pullulan or starch material capsules.

However, the non-gelatin capsules segment is expected to emerge as the fastest growing category with a CAGR of 6.9% from 2016 to 2024. With the source of the non-gelatin capsules being vegetarian, the religious and cultural issues experienced in connection with capsules containing animal-derived inactive ingredients can be evaded; this factor is estimated to be primarily responsible for the large consumer base of this market over the forecast period.

In 2015, the antibiotic and antibacterial drugs segment generated the largest revenue of USD 453.7 million owing to the surge in prevalence of a range of infectious diseases and chronic conditions worldwide. The vitamins and dietary supplements category is expected to exhibit the fastest growth rate of 7.8% over the forecast period.

Global efforts to reduce malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies by various social welfare organizations and government agencies are expected to boost the usage rates over the forecast period.

In 2015, North America dominated the empty capsules market with a revenue share of over 39.6% due to the high disease burden, the access to the latest drugs in this region, and the high consumption rate of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products in this region. Increase in the geriatric population susceptible to varied conditions and disorders coupled with the burgeoning of various bacterial and viral infections is expected to improve the market penetration of various antibiotics, multivitamin supplements, and other drugs.

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow with the highest CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period. The increase in healthcare expenditure and the rise in per-capita disposable incomes are expected to improve the overall access to healthcare facilities and medicines across several developing countries in this region. Moreover, the upsurge in the prevalence of infectious diseases and chronic conditions in this region are also expected to positively reinforce the market growth over the forecast period.

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials, and healthcare.